ABINGDON UNITED NEWS

Abingdon United Start Academy - 19 April

As part of the clubs continued development Abingdon United FC are pleased to announce a new partnership with independent training provider ProCo. ProCo are a government funded organisation who have similar programmes running with a number of other football league clubs including Wycombe Wanderers Academy.

The educational academy starting in September will consist of daily practical coaching sessions and weekly fixtures in the Youth Conference League. This is an excellent level of football, second only to that of the Puma Youth Alliance where professional scholars play. The level of football is important so that players are not playing in a local college league, but in one where they are able to excel nationally. Alongside the outstanding football opportunity students can study for the brand new BTEC Diploma Sport, released for first teaching in September 2016. Additionally, they will gain football coaching qualifications and complete work experience as well as having the opportunity to complete GCSE Maths & English resists and Functional Skills. The programme offers realistic pathways into higher education, including university and American college scholarships.

1st team Head Coach Steve Alman added “This is a fantastic opportunity for any young football player of 16 -19 years of age within the Oxfordshire area who wants to improve the level of their playing ability, alongside their education, and ultimately push themselves as far as possible in the game. My background is that of a Physical Education teacher, and in the last ten years has seen me run football and education academies at both Wycombe Wanderers and Oxford United, and I have seen first-hand the positive impacts these environments can have on young players. We are trying to give players the opportunity to experience the professional football environment and provide an initial pathway in non league football. Not forgetting the importance of have a solid education base that will allow them to access university and other sport related careers. Ultimately, we are hoping to see players join us at the age of 16 and progress so they can play in our under 23’s side and then onto the senior squad“